Welcome to Hyperion Records, an independent British classical label devoted to presenting high-quality recordings of music of all styles and from all periods from the twelfth century to the twenty-first.

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Introduction

The Edinburgh Te Deum was written in 1978 when MacMillan was an undergraduate at Edinburgh University and studying with Kenneth Leighton. He had formed a Schola (choir) for the Catholic Chaplaincy in the city at the invitation of Father Aidan Nichols OP, later to become one of the major Catholic writers in theology and liturgy. The Te Deum is dedicated to Father Nichols; never performed at the time, it was finally given its premiere in Westminster Cathedral in November 2011. The Te Deum is a large-scale setting intended for liturgical use. The whole of the first section is given to trebles (or sopranos), the cries of ‘Sanctus’ are given dramatic block chords punctuated by the organ. Here are the embryonic choral outbursts which we noted in the Tenebrae Responsories and Seven Last Words from the Cross. The ‘Tu, rex gloriae’ brings further drama before a slow bass solo for ‘Te ergo quaesumus’ leads into the gentle final section and a quiet ending.

We praise you, God, we acknowledge you as Lord,
the whole earth worships you as the eternal Father.
To you all angels: to you the heavens and all powers:
to you the cherubim and seraphim with unceasing voice cry out:
Holy, holy, holy Lord God of hosts.
The heavens and the earth are full of the majesty of your glory.
The glorious choir of apostles,
the worthy group of prophets,
the shining army of martyrs praise you.
Throughout the circle of lands the holy church acknowledges you
as Father of great majesty;
your venerated, true and only Son,
also the Paraclete Holy Spirit.
You are the king of glory, Christ.
You are the everlasting Son of the Father.
Setting out to save mankind
you did not despise a virgin’s womb.
The sting of death overcome,
you opened for believers the kingdoms of the heavens.
You sit at the right hand of God, in the glory of the Father.
You are believed to be about to come as judge.
Therefore, we beg you, help your servants,
whom with precious blood you redeemed.
Make them be numbered amongst your saints in eternal glory.
Make your people safe, Lord,
and bless your inheritance.
And rule them, and raise them up for ever.
Every single day we bless you,
and we praise your name for ever,
and for generations of generations.
Consider it worthwhile, Lord, on that day to keep us without sin.
Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy on us.
Let your mercy, Lord, be upon us,
inasmuch as we placed our hope in you.
In you, Lord, have I hoped;
may I not be thrown into confusion for ever.